Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Pregnancy: A Review

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by fatty deposits in the liver, with histologic features like alcohol-induced liver injury, without associated alcohol misuse. This condition is associated with other metabolic comorbidities, particularly obesity and insulin resistance. MASLD is also associated with the development of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. MASLD is one of the most common liver diseases today, with a prevalence of 14% in pregnant individuals.

The goal of this review was to explore the topic of MASLD with a discussion of its pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical management, and complications related to pregnancy.

A literature search was conducted utilizing Rayyan to review 180 articles published between 2000 and 2024 for inclusion or exclusion in the review.

MASLD is an increasingly prevalent disease process likely underdiagnosed in pregnancy. Evidence suggests a synergistic pathway between obesity and the physiological changes of pregnancy, which can initiate or exacerbate liver steatosis. MASLD is associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy and in the offspring of affected pregnancies.

Further research is needed to demonstrate optimal screening, diagnosis, and management in pregnancy. If detected early, early diabetes screening and low-dose aspirin may be appropriate, given the significant association with gestational diabetes and gestational hypertensive disorders. Patients should be counseled on the increased risk of maternal morbidity, preterm birth, miscarriage, macrosomia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, and metabolic disease in the offspring.